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Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe

When it comes to Aston Martin, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the James Bond clichés that have become synonymous with the brand. The moment you see one or, better yet, find yourself behind the wheel, your mind inevitably drifts to 007, Q Branch, and all the associated cinematic glamour. There’s so much more to Aston Martin than its starring role in the Bond franchise, though. Today, the brand is undergoing a transformative phase, thanks to its new ownership, its strong Formula 1 connections, and a renewed focus on performance and motorsport heritage. This shift has not only revitalised the brand’s image but also given it a fresh identity beyond the silver screen. For instance, the best-selling colour for the new Aston Martin models is now the same shade as its F1 cars — a clear nod to its racing pedigree. But enough about the brand’s evolution; let’s talk about the car at hand — the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

It’s not every day you’re handed the keys to an Aston Martin — and what a great key it is. Aston Martin has always been known for its iconic ‘Emotion Control Unit’ key, and this latest iteration feels like a luxury timepiece. Finished in matte black, it has a satisfying weight to it, reminiscent of a high-end watch from brands like Hublot or Richard Mille. Holding it, you know you’re about to experience something extraordinary – and the stunning, blue V8 Vantage parked in the lobby of our office definitely looked the part. The black-and-white chequered tile floor of the lobby only amplified its presence, creating a perfect backdrop for a few quick photos before I even stepped inside.

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Seated inside the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the low rumble of the V8 engine vibrating through the cabin, I pulled the paddle shifter and eased into Mumbai’s relentless traffic. The Vantage, with its grand touring pedigree, isn’t exactly designed for the stop-and-go chaos of city driving, but it handled the ordeal with unexpected composure. The suspension, though firm, absorbed the uneven patches of road, and the precise steering made navigating through tight spaces less daunting than I had anticipated. What truly stood out, however, was the reaction from the city around me. The sight of the Vantage weaving through Mumbai’s crowded streets turned heads at every corner. Pedestrians paused, drivers rolled down their windows, and smiles broke out on faces — it was as if the car had momentarily lifted the weight of the city’s daily grind.

Despite the urban jungle setting, the Vantage provided a luxurious sanctuary within. The cabin, wrapped in supple leather and adorned with meticulous craftsmanship, felt like a world apart from the chaos outside. But it was the occasional blip of the throttle, the engine’s growl reverberating through the cabin, that reminded me of the beast lurking beneath the surface. Driving the Vantage in Mumbai was a surreal experience — a juxtaposition of opulence and pandemonium, where every honk and every squeeze through traffic felt like a small victory.

The real magic, however, unfolded as we finally broke free from the city’s grip and hit the open stretches of the coastal road. The moment the tyres gripped the smooth tarmac, the Vantage transformed. The engine, which had till now been growling politely, roared to life with a ferocity that sent shivers down my spine. I rolled down the windows, letting the sea breeze rush in, and the symphony of the V8 echoed off the walls of the long tunnel ahead. The sound was raw, unfiltered, and utterly intoxicating — a deep, guttural note that rose to a crescendo with every push of the throttle. Shifting gears with the paddle shifters was met with an immediate response, each upshift accompanied by a sharp bark from the exhaust, and each downshift punctuated by a satisfying crackle. The car felt as if it had been waiting for this moment to truly breathe.

Under the hood, the Vantage has a 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 656 bhp and 81.57 kgm of torque, enabling a 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 325 kph. I’m not saying we got anywhere close to that top speed number, but I can happily report that this car is mighty fast. While I’ve experienced this engine in other AMG models, the Vantage feels like a completely different beast. Aston Martin has done an exceptional job of masking its AMG origins, tuning it to deliver a character that’s unique. The engine is mounted behind the front axle, giving the car a near-mid-engine balance that enhances handling and performance.

In everyday driving, the Vantage offers ample performance, with a refined, linear power delivery. However, switch to the more aggressive driving modes, and the car transforms into a relentless force, constantly urging you forward. Even at idle, you can sense the raw power at hand. The steering is precise and responsive, while the suspension strikes a good balance between sporty stiffness and grand touring comfort. It handles bumps and uneven surfaces with ease, remaining planted and composed even at higher speeds.
Any Aston Martin is a work of art to behold, and this one is no exception. Its design follows the golden ratio, a principle I learned in design school, and when you overlay that on the Vantage’s profile, you understand why it’s so visually captivating. From the front, it’s bold and aggressive, with a menacing stance that commands attention. Move to the side, and the car takes on a more slender, elegant profile. But it’s the rear that truly stands out, with its wide haunches and muscular stance, hinting at the thundering performance it’s capable of delivering.

However, the V8 Vantage isn’t just about looks. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that leans more toward luxury than outright sportiness. The cabin is swathed in premium leather, with soft-touch materials everywhere you look. Even the seat controls, mounted on the centre console, exude a sense of refinement. The driving position is comfortable and well-suited for long journeys, reinforcing the idea that this is a grand tourer at heart. There’s even a surprisingly spacious boot, perfect for stowing luggage for a cross-country adventure. While I imagined myself cruising through Europe, the reality was a bit less glamorous — navigating Mumbai’s notorious city traffic. Still, the Vantage proved to be a luxurious sanctuary amidst the chaos.

The air conditioning switches feel solid and well-damped, and the start-stop button is a tactile delight. Press it, and the engine comes to life with a deep rumble that hints at the power under the hood. The steering wheel, a unique blend of square and circular design, feels great in your hands, with cold-to-the-touch metal paddles that add a touch of class. Pull them, and the car responds with immediacy, ready to unleash its potential.

The new Vantage represents a significant leap forward in terms of interior design. Gone is the Mercedes-inspired aesthetic of previous models, replaced by a bespoke, driver-centric approach. The centrepiece is a sleek 10.25-inch infotainment screen, powered by a modern user interface that includes wireless smartphone connectivity and 3D live mapping for seamless navigation. Complementing this tech is a premium 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, delivering exceptional audio quality. The redesigned steering wheel offers improved ergonomics, while physical toggles for most controls provide a tactile and intuitive interface.

That said, there were a couple of let-downs. The digital displays in the cabin felt out of place in a car that otherwise exudes analogue charm; I couldn’t help but wish for the iconic aluminium-finished dials of older Aston Martins. Additionally, the gear indicator on the driver’s instrument cluster was disappointingly small, making it hard to read at a glance. Despite these minor quibbles, the cabin’s fit and finish were top-notch, with even the door release latches feeling solid and precisely machined.

My time with the Vantage was coming to an end, and as I stepped out of the car, I couldn’t help but admire its swan-wing doors, which swung upward to avoid kerbs. From head-on, the car looked every bit as stunning as it did when I first laid eyes on it. It left me wondering what it would take to make this car a permanent part of my life (spoiler alert: banks and robberies are involved).

In a world where electric vehicles and hypercars dominate the performance conversation, the V8 Vantage stands out by appealing to something deeper — your soul. It’s not just about the numbers on an Excel spreadsheet; it’s about the emotions it evokes and the lasting impression it leaves. This car is a testament to Aston Martin’s renewed focus on performance and driving engagement, a shift that’s evident in every aspect of the Vantage. It’s no longer just a Bond car; it’s a true driver’s machine, and that’s what makes it special.